Lipreading and Communication Skills - Managing Hearing Loss

Ref: C3527689

Learn how to manage your hearing loss by improving your communication skills through lipreading and coping strategies in a structured, supportive and friendly class. Information will be available on equipment and support services.

Course aim

To increase confidence in communication through learning and practising lipreading techniques and coping strategies.
To keep up-to-date with information on services and equipment for people with hearing loss.

Who is the course for?

For adults with an acquired hearing loss, those who are supporting someone with a hearing loss, or anyone who is interested in improving their communication skills.

What topics will this course cover

The theory and practice of lipreading - the study of visual clues to spoken English.
An awareness of other skills used to help lipread: memory, concentration, observation, awareness of rhythm, situation, context, facial expression and body language.
Practical advice on how to manage difficult situations and make the best use of residual hearing.
Information on assistive equipment, services and new developments relevant to hearing loss.

What will it be like?

WEA classes are friendly and supportive. You will be encouraged to work together with your fellow students and tutor. You will be asked to share your ideas and views in the class and work with the group to give and accept feedback in a supportive environment. The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you to be actively involved in your learning. You may be asked to undertake work to support your course outside of your class.

By the end of the course I should be able to:

1. Recognise which speech sounds are helpful when lipreading, which are less helpful, and which may cause confusion
2. Use lipreading to identify key words and 'get the gist'
3. Develop observation and concentration skills
4. Identify factors which may affect lipreading ability

How will I know I'm making progress?

The tutor will give verbal feedback where appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor will be asked to assess the progress you have made.

What else do I need to know, do or bring?

A pen and notebook are useful

Reading and information sources

none

What could the course lead to?

Regular lipreading practise is recommended and students can enrol for further courses if they wish.